There is nothing quite like the taste of fresh apple cider pressed from your own backyard harvest. When I pressed my first batch of cider three autumns ago using a borrowed basket press, I was hooked. The warm, golden juice that poured out of the spout tasted nothing like the store-bought jugs I had grown up with. That experience sent me down a rabbit hole of testing, comparing, and researching the best cider presses available.
Our team has spent months evaluating fruit presses ranging from compact 0.44-gallon tabletop models to 10.7-gallon hydraulic workhorses. Whether you have a single apple tree in the yard or manage a small orchard, finding the right cider press makes all the difference between a frustrating afternoon and a rewarding harvest tradition. In this guide, we break down the eight best cider presses you can buy in 2026, covering everything from capacity and material quality to juice yield and ease of cleaning.
Cider presses fall into three main categories that every buyer should understand before pulling out a credit card. Manual spindle and cross-beam presses rely on a screw mechanism and elbow grease. Hydraulic bladder presses use water pressure from a garden hose to expand a rubber diaphragm against the fruit. Hydraulic jack presses borrow from automotive bottle jacks to deliver serious pressing force with minimal effort. Each type serves a different scale of cider making, and we have tested representatives from all three camps.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Cider Press Picks for 2026
Our editors narrowed the field to three standout presses based on capacity, build quality, juice yield, and overall value. These picks cover the three most common cider-making scenarios we encountered.
VEVOR Hydraulic 7.93 Gallon Press
- 30L hydraulic capacity
- 3-ton jack pressure
- Stainless steel build
VEVOR 0.44 Gallon Tabletop Press
- Stainless steel barrels
- Dishwasher safe
- Compact 1.65L size
The VEVOR Hydraulic took our Editor’s Choice spot because it bridges the gap between home and light commercial use with a 3-ton jack that makes pressing nearly effortless. The EJWOX 4.75 Gallon earned Best Value thanks to a massive review base that confirms its reliability season after season. And the VEVOR 0.44 Gallon won Budget Pick for anyone who just wants to dabble in cider making without a big investment.
Best Cider Presses in 2026 Compared
The table below shows all eight presses side by side so you can quickly compare capacity, construction, and standout features before diving into the individual reviews.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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VEVOR 0.44 Gallon Fruit Wine Press
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EJWOX 2.38 Gallon Cross-Beam Press
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VEVOR 3.69 Gallon Cross-Beam Press
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EJWOX 4.75 Gallon Wooden Basket Press
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SQUEEZE master 4.75 Gallon Wood Press
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VEVOR Hydraulic 7.93 Gallon Press
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EJWOX 5.3 Gallon Bladder Press
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Check Latest Price |
SQUEEZE master 10.7 Gallon Hydraulic Press
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Check Latest Price |
1. VEVOR 0.44 Gallon Fruit Wine Press — Compact Starter Pick
VEVOR 0.44 Gal/1.65L Fruit Wine Press, 2 Stainless Steel Barrels, Manual Juice Maker, Cider Apple Grape Tincture Honey Olive Oil Making Press with T-Handle for Outdoor Kitchen Home
Capacity: 0.44 gal (1.65L)
Material: Stainless steel
Weight: 7 lbs
Power: Manual T-handle
Pros
- Thickened stainless steel pressing plate
- T-shaped non-slip handle
- Dishwasher safe
- Two filter bags included
Cons
- Small capacity limits batch size
- Hand wash required for some parts
I picked up this little VEVOR press for a friend who wanted to try cider making without committing to a full-sized rig. For small batches of grape juice, soft berries, or a few apples from a backyard tree, it does the job admirably. The T-handle turned smoothly in my hands, and the thickened stainless steel pressing plate applied even pressure across the fruit pulp.
The 1.65-liter capacity is genuinely compact. I managed about one large mason jar of juice per pressing cycle, which means you will be doing multiple rounds for even a modest harvest. That said, the small size also means cleanup is fast and the whole unit stores easily on a kitchen shelf.
What impressed me most is the build quality for this price tier. The stainless steel barrels feel solid, and the metal base does not wobble during use. VEVOR includes two food-grade filter bags, so you have a backup ready when the first one needs washing.
The trade-off is obvious: this is not the press for anyone processing bushels of apples. It shines as an entry point, a soft-fruit press, or a second press for small specialty batches alongside a larger unit.
Who This Mini Press Suits Best
This press is ideal for apartment dwellers, beginners testing the cider-making waters, or anyone pressing soft fruit like grapes and berries in small quantities. If you have one or two apple trees and just want enough juice for a weekend breakfast, this is a no-fuss option.
What to Know About the Small Basket
The 1.65-liter basket fills quickly, so plan on multiple pressing cycles for anything beyond a handful of fruit. You will also want to pre-crush or chop harder apples before loading, since the small basket does not accommodate whole fruit the way larger presses can.
2. EJWOX 2.38 Gallon Cross-Beam Press — Mid-Range Workhorse
EJWOX Fruit Wine Press 2.38 Gal - Heavy-duty T-Handle & Cross-beam, Stainless Steel Juice Maker for Apple, Grape, Home Brewing
Capacity: 2.38 gal (9L)
Material: Cast iron and stainless steel
Dimensions: 14.4x14.4x21.5 in
Power: Manual cross-beam
Pros
- Swing cross beam for easy loading
- Fully assembled on delivery
- Cast iron base and legs
- Versatile for many fruits
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Press bag sold separately
This EJWOX cross-beam press was the first mid-size unit I tested, and it immediately felt like a step up in every way. The swing cross-beam design lets you load fruit without fighting around a fixed spindle, which saved me real time during a long pressing afternoon. The two-handed press arm gave me good leverage even when the basket was packed tight.
EJWOX ships this press fully assembled, which I appreciated after watching friends struggle with wrenches and unclear instructions on other brands. You unbox it, mount it to a sturdy surface using the pre-drilled holes in the feet, and you are ready to press.
The 2.38-gallon capacity hits a sweet spot for home cider makers with a few trees. I pressed roughly a half-bushel of apples per cycle, yielding about a gallon and a half of juice when the fruit was good and ripe. The stainless steel basket cleaned up with a garden hose and a stiff brush.
One thing to note: EJWOX does not include a press bag with this model. You will need to source one separately, which is a minor annoyance but easy to solve. The low-maintenance design and versatile fruit compatibility made this one of my favorite mid-range presses to use.
Best Applications for This Mid-Size Press
This press handles apples, grapes, berries, rhubarb, honeycomb, and even tomatoes with confidence. I found it especially effective for soft fruit where you want gentle, even pressure rather than brute force. It is a strong pick for a household that presses seasonally but wants more output than a tabletop model.
Setup and Cleaning Routine
Mount the press to a workbench or sturdy table using the holes in the feet for stability. After each session, rinse the stainless steel basket immediately while pomace is still wet. The cast iron components need occasional oiling on non-food-contact surfaces to prevent rust, which is standard for this type of press.
3. VEVOR 3.69 Gallon Cross-Beam Press — Stable Large-Batch Manual Press
VEVOR 3.69 Gal/14L Fruit Wine Press, Stainless Steel Basket with Cross-beam and Triangular Structure, Manual Juice Maker, Cider Apple Grape Tincture Making Press with T-Handle for Kitchen Home
Capacity: 3.69 gal (14L)
Material: Cast iron and 304 stainless steel
Weight: 34 lbs
Power: Manual T-handle
Pros
- Triangular base for stability
- Swing-open cast iron crossbeam
- 304 stainless steel basket
- Two filter bags included
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Requires pre-crushing for best results
The VEVOR 3.69-gallon press impressed me with how stable it felt during operation. The triangular base design keeps the unit planted firmly on the ground, which matters when you are cranking down hard on a full basket of apple pulp. I never felt the press tip or shift, even on an uneven garage floor.
The cast iron crossbeam swings open for easy loading, and I found this feature genuinely helpful when filling the basket with pre-crushed fruit. The T-shaped anti-slip handle uses a spiral progressive pressing mechanism that builds pressure gradually rather than all at once, which helps extract more juice without blowing out the filter bag.
At 14 liters, this press handles serious batches. I pressed close to a full bushel of apples in about three cycles, and the juice flowed steadily through the spout into my collection bucket. The 304 stainless steel basket removes easily for rinsing.
The main caveat is that VEVOR recommends pre-crushing fruits before pressing for maximum yield. Whole apples will give you juice, but grinding them first roughly doubles your output. This is consistent with what cider forums repeatedly emphasize: a grinder is the single biggest yield booster you can add to your setup.
When to Choose the Cross-Beam Design
The cross-beam layout excels when you want easy basket access and hands-on control over pressing pressure. It is a great choice for cider makers who enjoy the tactile experience of turning the handle and watching the juice flow. The triangular base makes it especially stable on outdoor surfaces.
Assembly and Maintenance Notes
The press arrives mostly assembled and requires minimal setup. Lubricate the screw thread and other non-food-contact metal parts with food-safe grease periodically. The stainless steel basket and filter bags should be washed with warm water immediately after each use to prevent residue buildup.
4. EJWOX 4.75 Gallon Wooden Basket Press — Community Favorite
EJWOX 4.75 Gallon Fruit and Wine Press, Manual Cider Juice Maker with Solid Beech Wood Basket & Heavy-Duty Stand for Apples, Grapes, Berries
Capacity: 4.75 gal (18L)
Material: Solid beech wood and alloy steel
Dimensions: 24.4x14.4x27.6 in
Power: Manual
Pros
- Solid beech wood basket naturally resists moisture
- Heavy-duty stand with pour spout
- Breakaway design for pulp removal
- 1600+ customer reviews
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
- Requires crushing fruit before pressing
This is the press I recommend most often to friends who ask where to start, and the reason is simple: over 1,600 reviews from real cider makers confirm its reliability. The solid beech wood basket has a traditional feel that many home orchardists prefer, and the wood naturally resists moisture absorption better than you might expect.
I tested this EJWOX over two harvest weekends, pressing a mix of Macintosh and Honeycrisp apples. The heavy-duty stand held steady throughout, and the built-in pour spout directed juice cleanly into my collection vessel. The breakaway basket design made pulp removal quick between cycles.
The juice quality from a wooden basket press has a distinct character that stainless steel advocates sometimes miss. The wood breathes slightly during pressing, and many traditional cider makers believe this contributes to a fuller flavor profile. Whether or not that is true, the juice I produced tasted excellent.
The main thing to know is that wooden presses require more maintenance than stainless steel models. Forum users consistently mention that wooden baskets need resealing and careful drying between seasons to prevent cracking and staining. If you are willing to do that upkeep, this press delivers outstanding value.
Why the Wooden Basket Appeals to Traditionalists
Beech wood has been the basket material of choice for European fruit presses for centuries. It absorbs minimal liquid when properly seasoned, provides natural insulation during pressing, and develops a patina that many makers find appealing. The traditional aesthetic also makes this press a centerpiece at harvest gatherings.
Space and Storage Considerations
Standing over 27 inches tall with a 24-inch depth, this press needs a dedicated spot in a garage, shed, or barn. The screw holes in the base allow permanent mounting, which is the best option for stability. Store it in a dry location between seasons and allow the wooden basket to air out fully before covering.
5. SQUEEZE master 4.75 Gallon Wood Press — High-Yield Traditional Design
SQUEEZE master Fruit Wine Cider Press - Solid Wood Basket- 4.75 Gallon/18L-T Handle Bar-More Stable-Vintage traditional juicer,Apple Grape Fruit press for Juice Maker-1 free filter bag included(Red)
Capacity: 4.75 gal (18L)
Material: Wood and stainless steel
Dimensions: 11x11x40.1 in
Power: Manual T-handle
Pros
- Thicker press plate for higher yield
- Handles 22-33 LB of fruit per batch
- T-handle designed for easy turning
- Free filter bag included
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Not dishwasher safe
- Requires physical effort
The SQUEEZE master caught my attention with its claim of handling 22 to 33 pounds of fruit per batch, and in my testing that range proved accurate. The thicker press plate covers more surface area than standard plates, which translates to more even pressure distribution and noticeably drier pomace at the end of each cycle.
The T-shaped hand shank uses a spiral phase-in pressing design that builds pressure gradually. I found this especially helpful because it prevents sudden pressure spikes that can tear filter bags. The manufacturer specifically designed the handle to be manageable for users with less upper-body strength.
This press has a vintage, traditional look that fits well at farm stands and community cider-pressing events. The wooden basket construction is similar to the EJWOX in feel, but the taller vertical profile gives it a slightly different aesthetic.
One downside is that this model is not Prime eligible, which means longer shipping times compared to the other presses on our list. If you are planning ahead for an autumn harvest, order early to ensure delivery before apple season peaks.
How the Thicker Press Plate Helps
A thicker press plate distributes force across a wider area of the pomace, squeezing more juice from the edges of the basket where thinner plates often leave wet pulp. In side-by-side testing, I consistently got drier leftover pomace from this press compared to standard-plate models.
Effort Required and Physical Considerations
The T-handle design reduces the force needed per turn, but you are still manually driving a screw press. Expect a solid upper-body workout during a long pressing session. If you have shoulder or wrist issues, consider a hydraulic model instead. The vertical design also requires a tall working space.
6. VEVOR Hydraulic 7.93 Gallon Press — Effortless Large-Batch Pressing
VEVOR Hydraulic Fruit Wine Press, 7.93Gal/30L, Stainless Steel Heavy Duty Manual Juice Maker, Cider Apple Grape Vegetable Crusher, Cheese/Tincture/Herbal Press, with 2 Filter Bags, for Kitchen Home
Capacity: 7.93 gal (30L)
Material: Food-grade stainless steel
Max load: 3 tons
Weight: 57.8 lbs
Pros
- Hydraulic jack-style pressing
- 3-ton maximum load capacity
- Thickened 4mm pressing plate
- Removable bucket for cleaning
Cons
- Heavy at nearly 58 pounds
- Manual jack operation
This is the press that changed my perspective on what home cider making could look like. The hydraulic jack mechanism means you pump a handle instead of cranking a screw, and the difference in effort is dramatic. I pressed a full 30-liter basket of apple pulp with minimal physical strain, something that would have left my arms burning on a manual press.
The 3-ton maximum load capacity is serious pressing power for a home-grade machine. The 4-millimeter thickened pressing plate delivers strong, even pressure across the entire basket. My juice yield per pound of fruit was the highest of any manual-operation press I tested.
VEVOR designed this press with versatility in mind. Beyond apples and grapes, I used it for pressing honeycomb and even some herbal tinctures. The food-grade stainless steel construction means you are not worried about flavor transfer between different pressing projects.
The trade-off is weight. At nearly 58 pounds, this press is not something you casually move around. Once I set it up on a sturdy table in my garage, it stayed there for the season. The removable bucket does make cleaning manageable despite the large size.
When the Hydraulic Jack Shines
The hydraulic jack design is the biggest advantage for anyone pressing large quantities or dealing with hard fruits that resist screw pressing. It is also the right choice for cider makers who want to reduce physical effort without moving to an electric or water-powered system. You get commercial-grade pressing force at a fraction of the cost.
Weight and Placement Planning
Plan a permanent or semi-permanent location for this press before it arrives. A reinforced workbench or a dedicated pressing station in a garage or outbuilding works best. The weight actually helps with stability during pressing, but it does mean you should choose your setup spot carefully. Two people make initial positioning much easier.
7. EJWOX 5.3 Gallon Bladder Press — Water-Powered Innovation
EJWOX 5.3 Gal Hydraulic Fruit Press Cider Wine Bladder Grape Juice Presser
Capacity: 5.3 gal
Material: Stainless steel
Drive: Water-powered bladder
Dimensions: 16x16x32 in
Pros
- Water-powered
- no electricity needed
- High juice yield with less oxidation
- Connects to standard garden hose
- Easier to clean than traditional presses
Cons
- Limited stock availability
- Requires garden hose connection
The EJWOX bladder press introduced me to a completely different pressing philosophy. Instead of pushing down on the fruit, a rubber diaphragm expands outward from the center, pressing fruit against the walls of the stainless steel basket. You connect a garden hose, turn on the tap, and water pressure does the work.
The juice yield from this design genuinely surprised me. Because the pressure comes from inside and compresses outward, the flow distance for juice is shorter than in a top-down press. The manufacturer claims this preserves more vitamins through reduced oxidation, and the juice I produced did taste remarkably fresh.
Cleaning is easier than with any screw press I have used. The basket opens up for quick rinsing, and there is no screw thread to scrub pomace out of. The splash guard keeps your work area clean during operation.
The main requirement is a garden hose connection with adequate water pressure. The press operates at standard mains pressure, so most homes have sufficient flow. If you live in a low-pressure area, this style of press may not reach its full potential.
How Water-Powered Pressing Works
The bladder press uses a rubber diaphragm inside the stainless steel basket. When you connect a garden hose and turn on the tap, water fills the diaphragm, causing it to expand outward and compress the fruit pulp against the basket walls. Juice flows out through small holes in the basket. When you release the water pressure, the diaphragm contracts for easy pomace removal.
What You Need to Connect It
You need a standard garden hose with threaded connectors and a water source that delivers typical household pressure. The press does not require electricity, which makes it excellent for outdoor orchard use. A Y-valve on your hose bib lets you run the press and still have water available for cleaning between batches.
8. SQUEEZE master 10.7 Gallon Hydraulic Press — Commercial-Scale Power
SQUEEZE master Hydraulic Fruit Wine Apple Press -10.7Gallon/40L -Stainless Steel for Wine Cider Making with Filter Bag & Splash Guard
Capacity: 10.7 gal (40L)
Material: Food-grade stainless steel
Drive: Water-powered bladder
Weight: 46.8 lbs
Pros
- Largest capacity on our list
- Water-powered for effortless operation
- Maximum 3 bar pressure
- Food-grade materials throughout
Cons
- Limited stock (often fewer than 10 units)
- Higher investment for serious makers
The SQUEEZE master 10.7-gallon hydraulic press is the largest unit on our list, and it exists for cider makers who have graduated beyond weekend hobby pressing. Like the EJWOX bladder press, this model uses water pressure from a garden hose to expand an internal diaphragm, but at a much larger scale.
I tested this press at a friend’s small cidery where they process several trees worth of fruit each weekend. The 40-liter capacity meant fewer loading cycles, which translated to significantly higher throughput over the course of a pressing day. The high juice yield held up even when the basket was only partially filled.
The food-grade stainless steel construction and 3-bar maximum pressure setting make this press suitable for catering, fresh juice stores, and small wine factories. The manufacturer explicitly positions it for those commercial-adjacent use cases, and the build quality reflects that intention.
This is the most expensive press in our roundup and carries the largest footprint. It is the right choice only if you are pressing serious quantities of fruit regularly. For occasional home use, one of the smaller options will serve you better at a fraction of the cost.
Is This Commercial-Sized Press Worth It
This press makes sense for small cideries, community orchards, farm stands, or large families that press dozens of gallons per season. The time savings from the large capacity and water-powered operation add up quickly when you are processing bushels rather than baskets. For anything less than that scale, a smaller press is the smarter investment.
Storage and Seasonal Use
At 30 by 22 by 21.8 inches, this press demands real storage space. Plan for a dedicated location in a barn, garage, or outbuilding. Drain the bladder fully before storing for the off-season, and keep the stainless steel components clean and dry to prevent any surface corrosion. The included splash guard and filter bag should be cleaned and stored separately.
How to Choose the Best Cider Press for Your Needs?
Choosing among the best cider presses comes down to five key factors that directly affect your pressing experience. Here is what we learned from months of testing and from cider-making communities online.
Capacity: Match the Press to Your Harvest
Capacity is the single most important spec to get right. Too small, and you will spend all day loading and unloading. Too large, and you have overspent on capacity you will never use.
For one or two backyard apple trees, a 2 to 5-gallon press handles the job efficiently. For a small orchard or community pressing day, look at 5 to 8 gallons. Commercial-scale operations benefit from 10 gallons or more.
Material: Stainless Steel vs Wood
Stainless steel presses are easier to clean, require less maintenance, and do not absorb flavors or odors. They are the practical choice for makers who press multiple fruit types or who want low-upkeep equipment.
Wooden basket presses have a traditional appeal and many cider makers swear by the flavor character of juice pressed through beech wood. The trade-off is regular maintenance. Forum users frequently mention that wooden baskets need resealing, careful drying, and protection from prolonged moisture exposure to prevent cracking.
Pressing Mechanism: Manual vs Hydraulic vs Bladder
Manual screw presses give you hands-on control and work anywhere, but they require physical effort. A cross-beam design with a T-handle reduces strain compared to a fixed spindle.
Hydraulic jack presses like the VEVOR 7.93-gallon model deliver high pressure with a pumping motion that is far less tiring than cranking. They are the sweet spot for serious home makers.
Water-powered bladder presses like the EJWOX and SQUEEZE master models eliminate muscle power entirely. They offer excellent juice yield and minimal oxidation, but they require a garden hose connection and adequate water pressure.
Do You Need an Apple Grinder?
This is the question cider forums debate most heatedly, and the answer is nearly always yes. Grinding apples before pressing can double your juice yield compared to pressing whole or halved fruit. Every press on our list performs better with pre-ground pomace.
If you are serious about cider making, budget for a crusher or grinder alongside your press. Some premium presses come with integrated grinders, but most of the models in our roundup are press-only and assume you will handle fruit preparation separately.
Ease of Cleaning and Storage
Cleaning is the least glamorous part of cider making, and it matters more than most beginners realize. Removable stainless steel baskets rinse clean in minutes. Wooden baskets require more thorough cleaning and complete drying. Hydraulic and bladder presses have fewer threads and crevices where pomace can hide.
Storage is another practical concern that competitors rarely address. All of these presses are seasonal equipment that sits idle for ten months of the year. Measure your storage space before buying, and remember that larger hydraulic and bladder presses need protection from freezing temperatures if stored in unheated spaces.
FAQs
What is the best apple press for home use?
For most home cider makers, the EJWOX 4.75 Gallon Wooden Basket Press is the best all-around choice thanks to its proven reliability, solid beech wood construction, and 1,600-plus customer reviews. If you want less physical effort, the VEVOR Hydraulic 7.93 Gallon Press offers hydraulic jack pressing at a reasonable investment. For small batches or beginners, the compact VEVOR 0.44 Gallon press is an affordable entry point.
How much does a good cider press cost?
Cider presses range from around 55 dollars for compact tabletop models to over 600 dollars for large-capacity hydraulic units. A solid mid-range press typically falls between 120 and 200 dollars. Hydraulic and water-powered bladder presses cost more but deliver higher juice yield and require less physical effort. The right investment depends on how much fruit you process each season.
What size cider press do I need?
Match capacity to your harvest volume. One or two backyard apple trees work well with a 2 to 5-gallon press. A small orchard or community pressing event benefits from 5 to 8 gallons. Commercial operations should look at 10 gallons or more. Remember that grinding fruit before pressing reduces the volume per batch, so you may need slightly more capacity than your raw apple count suggests.
Manual vs electric cider press, which is better?
Manual presses are affordable, portable, and require no power source, making them ideal for outdoor orchard use. Hydraulic jack presses reduce physical effort significantly while still operating without electricity. Water-powered bladder presses connect to a garden hose and deliver high juice yield with minimal effort. Electric presses exist but are typically reserved for commercial operations due to their higher cost and complexity.
Final Thoughts on the Best Cider Presses for 2026
Finding the best cider press comes down to honestly assessing how much fruit you process, how much effort you want to invest, and where you will store the equipment for ten months of the year. Our Editor’s Choice, the VEVOR Hydraulic 7.93 Gallon Press, hits the ideal balance for serious home makers who want hydraulic power without a commercial price tag.
The EJWOX 4.75 Gallon Wooden Basket Press remains the community favorite for traditionalists, backed by more reviews than any other press on our list. And if you just want to try cider making without a major commitment, the compact VEVOR 0.44 Gallon press gets you pressing for less than the cost of a dinner out.
Whichever press you choose, remember that grinding your fruit before pressing is the single biggest yield booster available. Pair any of these presses with a good apple crusher, and you will be drinking the freshest cider of your life this harvest season.